Gas, oil plans present a real, clear danger

The editorial “No parking on the Hudson,” Dec. 14, correctly argues for the need to protect the rights of the greater public interest ahead of powerful outside interests. The Hudson River oil storage proposal poses too great a risk to the health, environment and economy of local communities.

Similarly, Seneca Lake is being held hostage by the potential for mass industrialization as Texas-based Crestwood proposes to turn unlined, unstable salt caverns along the lake into a gas storage and transport hub for the Northeast.

Seneca, the largest fresh water body solely within New York’s borders, is a drinking water source for 100,000 people. Crestwood’s plan could contaminate this water, and catastrophic explosions at similar salt cavern gas storage facilities provide serious cause for concern. Like the Hudson River proposal, the risk of accidents, devaluation of property and serious negative impact on our vibrant tourism economy is real.

Decisions made by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Coast Guard will set the tone for environmental and public health policies across New York. In both scenarios, local residents are pitted against wealthy corporate interests with countless backroom allies and millions of dollars at their political disposal.

It is vital that our leaders stand with New York businesses and families to protect their health and livelihood.

We urge the Coast Guard to reject the oil barge proposal, and Gov. Cuomo to reject Crestwood’s dangerous gas storage plan as they both pose a clear and present danger to essential and historic New York areas.